iPad mini 2 release date rumours have been spreading since the original mini came out in Nov 2012. But there is still no adequate basis to mark a calendar month for the anticipated release. Now new reports are saying iPad mini sales have dropped as more buyers decide to wait until the Apple mini upgrade is unveiled.

A digitimes.com report has been cited as the source of sales drop reports surrounding the iPad mini. Several tech blogs and news sites highlighted the analysis that the original mini will see a 20% to 30% decline in shipments. This supply chain adjustment is reportedly an effect of lack of demand. The iPad mini 2, in turn, is being seen as the reason for the anticipated sales drop.

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has earlier been reported as saying the iPad mini 2 will be released sometime after iPad 5 becomes available. Earlier rumours indicated an April announcement from Apple, but now the tune has changed to the month of May. Other rumours suggest the same development. This only puts the iPad mini 2 release at a much later date. It may be possible that the next iPad mini won't see the market until the original mini's first anniversary.

The iPad mini 2 is expected to come with a more robust system under the hood. It will reportedly keep its slim chassis, but the screen display will be astounding.

Digitimes cited unnamed sources as persons with interest in the Apple supply chain. According to the Taiwanese tech site, Apple's supply partners will ship 20% to 30% less iPad minis this quarter than they did from January and March over "lacking demand in the market."

The Retina display, or a similar screen boosting technology, is one of the reasons the iPad mini 2 release date is such a big event for thousands of Apple fans worldwide. Some people thought Apple did not think well when it released a non-Retina mini less than 6 months ago. But from the looks of it now, the original mini is an elaborate advertisement for a more powerful small tablet.

For his part, Apple CEO Tim Cook has slammed similar rumours, saying people should not read too much on rumours spreading in relation to Apple suppliers.

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